HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. - The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is holding their 2021 convention in Boston, and Team Hanscom is looking for active-duty volunteers to help support the event.
The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award and is for members of the Armed Forces who have distinguished themselves through valor in combat.
“I think it’s going to be a cool experience for those who are able to be participate and talk to the awardees,” said Master Sgt. Elizabeth Reidling, law office superintendent and one of the Hanscom coordinators for the event. “We heard the Medal of Honor recipients really love talking to active-duty personnel, especially the junior members.”
The convention events begin Sept. 6 and run through Sept. 12. Reidling said volunteering will be a great opportunity for Hanscom Airmen to partner with their sister services to honor and support recipients of the nation’s highest medal.
“The only thing volunteers need to bring is just a positive attitude,” she said.
Planned events include various receptions, speeches, a memorial service at the South Boston Vietnam Memorial, a tour of the U.S.S. Constitution, and an award dinner at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Many of the events will involve interacting directly with Medal of Honor recipients.
Those military volunteers who will be escorting MOH recipients are required to be in full service dress. Also, they will be able to attend the same event as the recipient they are escorting.
Those interested in volunteering should contact Reidling, elizabeth.reidling@us.af.mil, and Lt. Christopher Ellis, christopher.b.ellis12.mil@mail.mil, with their name and contact information.
Group transportation to and from the events for the uniformed escorts is being coordinated.